A Leeds charity worker has received an award for the personalised care she delivers to supported housing residents with dementia and mental health issues.
Debra Hanrahan is a support worker and team leader at Kirklees Supported Housing in Batley and Waterhouse Court Supported Housing in Hunslet, which provide care and support for people with learning disabilities, mental health issues, substance misuse issues, and older people with a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of dementia.
She was given the Relationship Centred Care Award by Making Space, a national adult health and social care charity which employs over 1200 people across the UK, in recognition of her “24/7 commitment to every person she supports”, and “being a positive example for all her team to follow.”
Debra was presented with a certificate and trophy by Andy Grant – a motivational speaker, Iraq and Afghanistan veteran and the world’s fastest single leg amputee in the world over 10KM – at an award ceremony at the Manchester Mercure Hotel.
“I was extremely proud to have won this award as I didn’t expect it at all. I have always loved working for Making Space and embraced the opportunities it has brought me. The people we support are everything, and deserve the best, and that’s where I can thank my team of staff as we all work together to help the tenants experience the most from life.”
Debra was nominated for the award by service manager Sajeed Daji. “Debra believes in every person she supports, even when they don’t believe in themselves,” he said.
“Working with such a complex mix of adults is not easy, but Debra is able to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard, everyone’s voice counts and everyone can achieve their goals. She is always calm, always positive and always mindful that every one of their lives is precious.”
Over 250 people were nominated for the Making Space awards, with three individuals or teams shortlisted for each award. The judges – Making Space trustee Ted McGuinness and chief people officer Phil Orton – said Debra was clearly passionate about delivering personalised care.
“Debra patiently and gently helps people to work through their problems and find the solutions they need to reach their own goals independently,” Phil said. “She extends this approach to her whole team as well as residents, leading by example and inspiring everyone.”
The inaugural Making Space Colleague Awards have been established to recognise and pay tribute to individuals and teams who inspire others, go above and beyond expectations and make a real difference to the lives of the people supported by Making Space.
